REFERENDUM B PASSES, HARPER ELECTED COMMISSIONER OF AG
In the Nov. 8 general election, Georgia voters showed overwhelming support of a measure that would more accurately reflect the way many farms are structured by allowing them to partner on the more capital intensive aspects of modern agriculture.
Georgia Farm Bureau supported the measure, which passed with more than 76% of the vote.
The ballot measure clarifies that two individually qualifying family farm entities that have merged to form a singular entity would still qualify for ad valorem tax exemption on certain farm products and equipment.
This change is designed to help small farmers. From farm equipment to land to livestock, the business of farming has very high input costs. A small farm may not be able to afford these inputs on their own, but could if they partner with another farm to share the costs.
Republican Tyler Harper, a current state senator from Irwin County, was elected Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture. Harper will succeed Gary Black, who served as commissioner since 2010. Harper will be the state’s third agriculture commissioner since 1969.
Georgia House and Senate agriculture committee chairmen Robert Dickey (R-Musella) and Larry Walker (R Perry) both ran unopposed and were re elected.
Georgia Rep. Jon Burns (R Newington) has been nominated by House Republicans as the new Speaker of the Georgia House to succeed David Ralston, who died Nov. 16, after announcing Nov. 4 he would be stepping down due to health concerns. Burns currently serves on the House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee. Burns represents Screven County and portions of Effingham and Bulloch counties. The Georgia House will officially elect its new speaker on the first day of the 2023 legislative session. Republicans hold a strong majority following the Nov. 8 election.
All of Georgia’s incumbent U.S. Congressional members were re-elected: Reps. Buddy Carter (R 1st Dist.); Sanford Bishop (D 2nd District); Drew Ferguson (R 3rd Dist.); Hank Johnson (D 4th Dist.); Nikema Williams (D 5th Dist.); Lucy McBath (D 7th Dist.); Austin Scott (R 8th Dist.); Andrew Clyde (R 9th Dist.); Barry Loudermilk (R 11th Dist.); Rick Allen (R 12th Dist.); David Scott (D 13th Dist.); and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R 14th Dist.). Rich McCormick (R 6th Dist.) and Mike Collins (R 10th Dist.) were elected to first terms.
Committee assignments and chairmanships will be assigned early next year as the new session continued on next page
Continued from previous page of the Congress starts and the Republican Party takes control of the U.S. House.
U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee member Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) is in a runoff election against Republican challenger Herschel Walker.
Georgia Farm Bureau urges all Georgians to make sure they vote in the runoff election on Dec. 6. Check with your county Board of Elections to find out the dates for in person early voting and the deadline to request an absentee ballot.
THANKSGIVING DINNER COST UP BUT STILL AFFORDABLE
Spending time with family and friends at Thanksgiving remains important for many Americans and this year the cost of the meal is also top of mind. Farm Bureau’s 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05, or $6.41 per person. This is a $10.74 or 20% increase from last year’s average of $53.31.
The cost per person $6. 41 nationwide and $5.84 in the South, is still lower than what many meals purchased outside the home would cost.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables the turkey costs more than last year, at $28.96 for a 16 pound bird. That’s $1.81 per pound, up 21% from last year, due to several factors beyond general inflation. Farm Bureau “volunteer shoppers” checked prices Oct. 18 31, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices.
According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys was $1.11 the week of Nov. 3 9 and 95 cents the week of Nov. 10 16, a decline of 14% in just one week; and the share of stores offering feature prices rose from 29% to 60%. This means consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey should be able to find one at a lower cost than the Farm Bureau average
In Georgia, Ingles is selling certain turkeys for as low as 47 cents per pound with the purchase of $35 of groceries and using an Ingles Advantage card, while Kroger is selling turkeys for as low as 49 cents per pound using a digital coupon and Kroger card. Piggly Wiggly is offering 50% off a self basting turkey with digital coupon, downloading company app and $10 of other purchases.
“General inflation slashing the purchasing power of consumers is a significant factor contributing to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” said AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan.
General inflation has been running 7% to 9% in recent months, while the most recent Consumer Price Index report for food consumed at home reveals a 12% increase over the past year.
“Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine,” Cryan said. “The higher retail turkey cost at the grocery store can also be attributed to a slightly smaller flock this year, increased feed costs and lighter processing weights.”
Cryan said the supply of whole turkeys available to consumers should be adequate this year, although there may be temporary, regional shortages in some states where avian influenza was detected earlier this year. The National Turkey Federation reports that overall turkey production is about 2% lower than last year.
“Farmers are working hard to meet growing demands for food both here in the U.S. and globally while facing rising prices for fuel, fertilizer and other inputs,” said Cryan.
While farmers’ primary focus is on producing food, it’s important to note that they have a long -continued on next page
Continued from previous page history of supporting those in need with in kind and cash donations. Since 2004, Georgia Farm Bureau has coordinated annual Harvest for All campaigns through which GFB members across the state have donated about 49,000 pounds of staple food items and more than $260,000 in cash donations distributed to the food banks located throughout Georgia affiliated with Feeding America.
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.
“We should not take our food supply for granted,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Supporting sustainable productive agriculture in the U.S. and globally is imperative. As many of us gather with family and friends for a special meal, it’s a time for giving thanks and doing our part to help those who can’t afford a big holiday feast,” he added. “State and local Farm Bureaus across the country have strong partnerships with local food banks and I’m proud of their collective efforts to help ensure no one goes hungry.”
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded holiday menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $17.25, to $81.30. This updated basket of foods also increased in price (up 18%) compared to 2021.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using 224 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Individual Prices
16 pound turkey: $28.96 or $1.81 per pound (up 21%)
14 ounce bag of cubed stuffing mix: $3.88 (up 69%)
2 frozen pie crusts: $3.68 (up 26%)
Half pint of whipping cream: $2.24 (up 26%)
1 pound of frozen peas: $1.90 (up 23%)
1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.73 (up 22%)
Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $4.13 (up 20%)
30 ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.28 (up 18%)
1 gallon of whole milk: $3.84 (up 16%)
3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $3.96 (up 11%)
1 pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): 88 cents (up 8%)
12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.57 (down 14%)
Field Notes 4 of 2#
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Regional Averages
AFBF analysis revealed regional differences in the cost of the meal. The cost for the classic meal was the most affordable in the South $58.42, followed by the Northeast $64.02, Midwest $64.26 and West $71.37. The expanded meal (classic meal plus ham, green beans and Russet potatoes) was the most affordable in the South $74.90, followed by the Midwest $81.53, Northeast $82.76 and West $88.55.
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AG OFFERS $70,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $70,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field.
The GFA will award scholarships in the following four categories.
Scholarship for Agriculture This scholarship is for high school students who plan to enter a college that is part of the University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program during the 2023 24 academic year to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural field. The GFA will award 10 scholarships of $3,000 each. The top three ranked applicants will be eligible for an additional $1,000.
Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture This scholarship is for students who will be enrolled in a Georgia accredited technical college and major in an area of agriculture or an ag related field of study, such as welding, mechanics, culinary arts, or commercial truck driving. The GFA will award four scholarships of $1,500 each. The top two ranked applicants will be eligible for an additional $500. Visit https://gfb.ag/gfatechscholarshipmajors for a list of eligible schools and majors.
Rising College Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture This scholarship is for college students who have at least two semesters of college remaining to receive an undergraduate degree from a unit of The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program. Applicants must be majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or an ag related field. The GFA will award ten scholarships of $2,000 each.
UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship This scholarship is for students currently enrolled in the UGA Veterinary Medicine program specializing in large animal/food animal practice. The GFA will award two $5,000 scholarships.
Visit www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools for all scholarships, applications, and instructions to apply. All applications must be submitted online by March 1, 2023. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application.
The scholarship recipients will be announced in spring of 2023. Scholarship checks will be sent to the qualifying college/university the recipient is attending and placed in their school account upon verification the student has met all qualifications for the scholarship. Scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors will be distributed for spring 2024 upon receipt of first semester college transcript indicating the recipient is pursuing an ag related course of study and has at least -continued on next page
Continued from previous page a 3.0 GPA.
The GFA is a non profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders for success in Georgia agriculture. The GFA works with Georgia Farm Bureau and other Georgia agricultural and educational organizations to achieve its mission. The foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing agricultural careers, funds leadership development programs and projects that increase the public’s understanding of agriculture. It coordinates the Georgia Ag Experience, a mobile classroom that introduces third through fifth graders to Georgia’s top crops. To make a tax deductible donation or learn more about the foundation, visit www.gafoundationag.org or contact GFA Executive Director Lily Baucom at 478 405 3461 or info@gafoundation.org.
GFB SEEKS ENTRIES FOR ’23 MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is now accepting entries for the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests. Students who submit their artwork have the chance to win some great cash prizes!
The GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest is open to all public, private and home schooled sixth, seventh and eighth grade students statewide. The 10 GFB district winners of the bookmark contest will receive $100 each and compete for the state prize of $150. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners.
The GFB High School Art Contest is open to all public, private and home schooled students in ninth through twelfth grades. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will receive a cash prize of $100. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will compete for the state prize of $250 cash. One state runner up in the art contest will receive $150 cash. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners.
Middle school students will be given a blank bookmark and asked to draw a picture that depicts some aspect of Georgia agriculture. Students may use crayons, markers or colored pencils to create their bookmark that illustrates agriculture.
High schoolers entering the art contest should draw a scene depicting Georgia agriculture. Artwork submitted in the high school art contest must be on 8.5 x 11 inch white paper and should be created in the colors black, white and gray. Contestants may use a variety of media to create their artwork including graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, pen and ink, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing.
Artwork entered in both contests will be judged on 1) how well the artwork represents modern agriculture found in the artist’s county or Georgia and 2) artistic merit.
Students may enter either contest in the county in which they live or attend school but not both counties. To enter either contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules.
Contact your county Farm Bureau to learn its February deadline for entering the contests. County Farm Bureaus must submit their entries to Georgia Farm Bureau for the state contest by March 10. Entries are limited to one per person in both contests. Multiple entries will be -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page disqualified. Previous state winners are not eligible for either contest.
All artwork submitted in both contests must be original and becomes the property of Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) once submitted. GFB may use artwork from both contests on various products distributed or sold by the organization to promote agriculture.
Between the crops Georgia farmers grow and the jobs agriculture creates to harvest, process and transport these crops, agriculture contributed $69.4 billion to Georgia’s economy in 2020, according to the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.
For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.gfb.ag/contests .
Students and teachers may visit https://gfb.ag/video to view a video about Georgia agriculture and https://gfb.ag/UGA22agsnapshots to access info about Georgia agriculture.
BIERSMITH NAMED GEORGIA 4-H LEADER
Georgia 4 H has named Melanie Biersmith as the new State 4 H Leader. Biersmith, who began her duties Nov. 1, is the ninth state leader in the organization’s 118 year history.
The state 4 H leader provides strategic vision in response to the changing needs of Georgia youth. Georgia 4 H operates under the scope of University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and reaches more than 240,000 youth in a typical program year. The position works to support diversity and inclusiveness in youth programming.
Biersmith most recently served as the UGA Extension Associate State 4 H Leader for Facilities and Residential Programs. This position involved oversight of operations and personnel at all six Georgia 4 H Centers, plus coordination of the Georgia 4 H Environmental Education program and the Georgia 4 H Summer Camping program.
Her career with UGA Extension began in 2003 on Jekyll Island as the environmental education coordinator. She then served as the director of Georgia 4 H at Camp Jekyll and later as the Extension 4 H specialist for science and environmental education until 2018.
Biersmith holds a bachelor of science in biology from Georgia College and State University and a master of arts in science education from the University of Georgia. She resides in Morgan County with her husband, Andy, her daughter, Drew, and her son, Sam.
“It is inspiring to see the potential in every young person,” Biersmith said. “I appreciate the opportunity to watch their development and see how positive youth development experiences guide them on their journey to adulthood.”
In her role as State 4 H leader, Biersmith will also oversee recruitment and development of 4 H faculty and staff, advocate for extramural funding to support faculty scholarship, and champion the success of Georgia 4 H facilities. Her leadership will impact in school, after school and non traditional delivery models facilitated by approximately 120 county Extension agents, 225 educators, program assistants, and AmeriCorps members, as well as thousands of volunteers.
For more information about Georgia 4 H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.
NASS: COTTON, SOYBEAN PRODUCTION FORECAST FOR GAINS
Georgia cotton and soybean growers are expected to make production gains in 2022, according to the November Crop Production report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), which was released on Nov. 9.
Cotton production is forecast at 2.50 million bales, up 4% from the October forecast and up 13% from last year. Cotton producers are expected to harvest 1.28 million acres in 2022, up from 1.16 million acres in 2021. NASS adjusted its yield estimate from 900 pounds per acre in October to 938 pounds per acre in November, representing a month to month forecast increase of 101,000 bales.
With yield forecast at 44.0 bushels per acre, soybean production is forecast at 7.04 million bushels, down 2% from the October forecast but up 13% from 2021.
Peanut production is forecast at 2.99 billion pounds, unchanged from the October forecast but down 10% from 2021.
With yield forecast at 168 bushels per acre, corn for grain production is forecast at 64.7 million bushels in 2022, down 2% from the October forecast and down 20% from 2021.
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE ONLINE AUCTION
Nov. 28 Dec. 7, 2022
Sign up at https://gfb.ag/2022auction by Nov. 26 to receive auction alerts. Bids will be accepted Nov 28 Dec. 7. Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping while supporting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. This year’s auction will feature great items such as: football tickets, tech gadgets, home décor, food items, family activities & much more. GFA is a 501(c3) nonprofit registered charity. Donations are tax deductible. All auction proceeds will benefit the Georgia Foundation of Agriculture programs including: Georgia Ag Experience mobile ag classroom; scholarships for students pursuing ag careers; ag teacher workshops; mental health research for farmers and more. For more information, contact Lily Baucom at lrbaucom@gfb.org or 478.405.3461.
CROP INSURANCE FOR FORAGE, LIVESTOCK AND HONEY PRODUCERS
Dec. 1 deadline to apply/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia forage, livestock, and honey producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2023 crop year is December 1. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Dec. 1 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Acreage intended for grazing and haying is insurable under the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) program, and colonies of bees are insurable under the Apiculture program. The PRF and Apiculture programs for 2023 are under the Rainfall Index insurance plan. Coverage is available for PRF and Apiculture in all Georgia counties. For more information regarding coverage, producers can access RMA Apiculture Grid ID Locator and the PRF Support Tool online. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://www.rma.usda.gov/en
OUTSTANDING GEORGIA YOUNG PEANUT FARMER AWARD
Dec. 2
deadline for applications
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer. The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, in Tifton, Georgia. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF. The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award is based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership, civic, church, and community service activities. The award is open for any active Georgia peanut farmer who is not over 45 years of age, as of Jan. 19, 2023. An individual may receive the award only once. There is no limit on the number of applicants from each county in Georgia. Applications are due to the GPC office by Dec. 2. The award application is available online at www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Crosby at 229 386 3690 or joycrosby@gapeanuts.com. The award winner receives registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 27 29, 2023, at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida, and a sign to display at his or her farm.
DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE PROGRAM
Dec 9 application deadline
Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program, an important safety net program from USDA that helps producers manage changes in milk and feed prices. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering a new Supplemental DMC program and updating its feed cost formula to better address retroactive, current and future feed costs. For more information or to enroll, click here.
TOBACCO GROWERS SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Dec.
12 deadline to file claim
Many tobacco growers are eligible for settlement funds available as a result of lawsuits directed toward the U.S. Tobacco Cooperative, formerly known as the Flue Cured (FC) Tobacco Cooperative Stabilization Corporation. Included in the settlement are farmers and heirs of farmers who grew flue cured tobacco anytime from 1967 to 1973, based on the sale of tobacco to the cooperative, and from 1982 to 2004 based on their contribution of no net cost assessments on all tobacco sold. All tobacco producers who sold tobacco were members of the cooperative and received an FC number/membership card. Proof of claim forms consisting of three pages must be filed by Dec. 12. Documentation of membership in the cooperative can be established without knowing or including the FC membership number. This information is included in the files which have been provided to the attorneys and the firm charged with settling these claims. The original owner’s name and addresses where they resided when obtaining membership and throughout their career as tobacco farmers should be provided. Heirs can establish inheritance of FC numbers and proof of claim using family wills, letters of administration or letters of testamentary usually accessible from a probate court office. Proof of claim forms, a list of frequently asked questions and additional information can be found here. (https://omniagentsolutions.com/lewissettlementclasstrust)
DROUGHT SWAP FUNDING FOR IRRIGATORS IN LOWER FLINT RIVER BASIN
Dec. 15 deadline to apply The sign up period for a new cost share program for irrigation wells in Southwest Georgia is now open. The Drought Source Water Alternatives Program (SWAP) is designed to install deep aquifer wells for irrigators who rely on surface water in the Lower Flint River Basin. If you are interested in participating, please visit the Drought SWAP webpage (https://ga fit.org/drought swap/) to learn more, check your eligibility and submit an application. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15. Drought SWAP is funded by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget via allocations established by the American Recovery Plan Act for infrastructure development. Administered by the Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center at Albany State University, Drought SWAP is a component of the Georgia Flow Incentive Trust (GA FIT), an effort focused on enhancing drought response capacity to protect our farmers, regional economy and natural systems. For more information, visit www.GA FIT.org send an email to info@ga fit.org or phone 229 430 2900.
2022 GEORGIA SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO
Dec. 15 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 8:30 a.m. Perry
This event is for soybean/small grain growers, UGA researchers, county agents and others to attend. Registration is $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Registration/check in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9. For more information, contact Terry Hollifield at terry.hollifield@georgiacrop.com or 706 542 2351.
GA ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS SCHOLARSHIP
Dec. 31 deadline
to apply
To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD awards one $1,000 scholarship each year. The scholarship is given to high school, undergraduate or graduate students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area. The scholarship recipient will be honored at GACD's Annual Meeting in August 2023. Applications are due December 31, 2022. For more information or to apply, click here. (https://www.gacd.us/scholarships)
AMERICAN
SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Dec. 31 deadline to apply
The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000 one time scholarship award presented to a current, eligible high school senior planning to pursue a degree in agriculture at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is managed by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and is made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation. The senior must be a child or grandchild of an ASA member. Click here to join. The scholarship is awarded in $3,500 increments (one per semester) for the upcoming school year. The student must maintain successful academic progress and be in good standing with the college or university to receive the full amount of the scholarship. High school seniors may apply online Oct. 17 Dec. 31, 2022. Final selection will be made in January. The student will be notified late January, with an official announcement to follow. Applicants must fill out an online application during the open application period. Click here to apply. https://americansoybean.wufoo.com/forms/asa soy scholarship application 202324/
SE FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS CONFERENCE
Jan. 5-8, 2023 Savannah Convention Center Savannah
Early bird registration rates end Dec. 13
Registration is open and filling up fast for the 2023 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan 5 8 in Savannah, GA. Known as the can't miss event for growers, researchers, shipper packers, and anyone else involved in the fresh fruit and vegetable sectors, SE Regional will once again feature 14 individual commodity conferences, 85 hours plus of educational programs, and more than 290 exhibiting companies filling over 80,000 square feet of exhibit space. Take advantage of early bird registration rates before they end on Dec. 13 and choose from a variety of registration options available. While there, take advantage of SE Regional Room Blocks and book your hotel now. Click here for hotel and transportation information.
46TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW
Jan. 19, 2023 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Tifton Make plans to attend the 46th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference! The one day show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with nearly 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry. Farmers will be able to earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting edge research and developments during the University of Georgia Peanut Production Seminar and industry wide sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar. The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with OneBlood, will host a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. At the close of Thursday, there will be nearly $10,000 in door prizes presented to farmers, as well as a Grand Door Prize, vendor products, certificates and equipment. For more information, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission office at 229 386 3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com.
2023 GEORGIA AG FORECAST
Jan. 27, 2023 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8:30 a.m. Tifton In this annual event, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences economists provide an outlook of agricultural markets for the coming year and speakers focus on important and trending topics. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Deputy Chairman William Chambers will give the keynote address. To view the agenda an download the Georgia Ag Forecast Report, visit https://agforecast.caes.uga.edu/.
13th ANNUAL GFB DISTRICT 2 YF&R STEER & HEIFER SHOW
Feb. 4 Jackson County Ag Facility 1869 County Farm Rd. Jefferson Open to all fourth through 12th graders who exhibit beef cattle in Banks, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union & White counties. Register at https://gfb.ag/District2CattleShow by Jan. 20, 2023. Barn will be open on Feb. 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for early arrivals. Check in will be 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Show will begin Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. with showmanship classes. The entry fee is $25 per animal for Farm Bureau members or $35 per animal for non members. Membership must belong to the exhibitor and/or their immediate family. Membership can be obtained at your local county Farm Bureau office for $35. Entries are nonrefundable/nonreturnable. Twelfth grade exhibitors are eligible for a Senior Academic Scholarship of $500. Senior participants must contact Katie Alt at atkmalt@gfb.org or 229 454 0239 for a scholarship form. Form must be received along with cattle show entry form by Jan. 20. The show committee will select one winner and the scholarship will be awarded at the show. The committee will also give a $250 scholarship to the senior showmanship winner.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
UGA PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TELE COUNSELING
The past few years have been challenging. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the physical effects of stress and how it affects our lives. Talking to someone about your stress can help. The UGA Tattnall County Extension office is partnering with the UGA School of Social Work on a pilot program to offer farmers and members of the agricultural community access to up to six free online counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Participants do not have to farm or live in Tattnall County to participate but should be farmers or members of a farming family. Call 706 510 6930, email gatelehealth@uga.edu for more information or visit https://gfb.ag/ugapilotaddressstress to complete a questionnaire to begin the enrollment process. Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant funding will be provided appropriate counseling referrals. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, lack of focus, change in appetite, sleepiness or insomnia, aches/pains, headaches, emotional withdrawal, low energy, anxiety, increased alcohol/substance use. This work is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Southern Region [grant no. 2020 70028 32730 / project ascension no 1023989] and the Georgia Farmer Healthy Mindset [grant no. 13395431/2021 09304/ project ascension no 2021 70035575], from the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute on of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by counselors during the sessions should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.